Five great Irish drinking songs for St. Patrick's Day

It is St. Patrick's Day, and if you are not already in a pub toasting Ireland's health, then you are probably on a countdown to do so. And if you are having a party to celebrate our patron saint's day, then here are five great Irish drinking songs to get you in the mood for a rocking day!

The Boys are Back in Town

If you need a song to get going then look no further that the Thin Lizzy classic. A rollicking tune with a great hook, Thin Lizzy were masters of their craft and had a huge influence on many rocks acts both in Ireland and far afield. Whiskey in the Jar comes a close second if you get your Lizzy on while sinking a few cold ones, but the Boys are back in town tops it for me.

Video of Thin Lizzy performing "The Boys are Back in Town": CLICK HERE

The Irish Rover

A cracking tune and depending on how fast the drinks are going down, a good test for remembering lyrics as there are quite a few verses in this one. The Pogues and the Dubliners version is a cracker, and there is nothing like hearing Ronnie Drew’s baritone belting out the song interspersed with Shane MacGowan’s super slurring to get the juices flowing.

Video of The Pogues and The Dubliner's rendition of "The Irish Rover": CLICK HERE

Seven Drunken Nights

This one is for a moment of calm after the first coupled of belters. The song tells the story of a week on the bottle and the delights that awaited to protagonist as he returned each night with a few too many in him. The last few verses are a bit saucy but then again you are meant to be 21 or older to having a few drinks so you should be old enough to handle it.

Hear a live version of "Seven Drunken Nights" from The Dubliners: CLICK HERE

Dicey Riley

Time to get the feet stomping and Dicey Riley is the way to go. A positive tune about someone who clearly has an alcohol problem, it gets you into the summer spirit while getting the spirits into you.

The great thing about the fields of Athenry is that it can be interpreted in many ways. Sing it as a mournful tune, or rock it up and make it in to a mantra like chant that fuels the soul and inspires you to get another round in. A must if there is a sing-song during a session.

Listen to the Dropkick Murphys' version of "The Fields of Athenry": CLICK HERE